Proof of Tennis Hate #9: Distracted Fans
Amy Eddings Posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 3:45PM
Haters, distracted driving driving is a scourge. Recently, while in Chicago visiting the in-laws, I had to tell a cabbie to STOP PLAYING A VIDEO GAME ON HIS SMART PHONE while doing 65 down Interstate 294.
Now, the USTA is promoting Distracted Fanning. I got an e-mail today urging me to "reserve now" a device called Fanvision, which will allow me to watch up to 6 different courts from anywhere on the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open begins on Monday. Live video! Instant replay! Match stats and analysis! All in a little device about the size of one of those lobster rolls that you can get at the food court for $18.
This thing will cost about $25 a day to rent. The price goes up during the later rounds.
Perhaps this is a subtle hint to Rafael Nadal to speed up his pre-serve hair tucking and jockstrap pinching ritual. We'll use those precious 30 seconds watching David Ferrer wipe his forearms with a towel over at Armstrong Stadium instead, Rafa.
I don't like the trend. I already get pissed off when I spot, on televised matches, fans along the baseline who are staring into their cellphones rather than watching the drama RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM.
I have more sympathy for the fans in the nosebleed cheap seats of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Those folks had better reserve their Fanvision if they even want to see the match 10,000 feet below them.
But really, Haters, we can't make it through a changeover without tuning in to another match on little mini TVs?. Now THAT'S Tennis Hate.
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